Fashionable Works

What we like:

Lovely noise

Handling

Good Looks

Quick

Styling

Quirky

What we dislike:

With the new 8-speed

dropping down to the right ratio takes that split second longer

MINI interiors are easily distinguishable, with its ring-themed dash remaining mostly unchanged. There is a little bit of John Cooper Works magic within, with a subtle glowing backlit “Union Jack” motif on the passenger side of the dash, John Cooper Works badging and some nifty dash graphics.

Connectivity via Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay comes as standard, and there is also an available wireless charging option. Together with the new 8-speed transmission upgrade, there is new a new gearshift lever, which looks more classy than the previous one, and on closer inspection, functions just like those found in current BMW cars.

While the front seats are supportive, and getting that just-right driver position is easy, the car is best for two, as the rear +2 seats would require you and your front passenger to compromise a little to accommodate those at the rear.

With a small car, cargo room is not very generous, due to packaging constraints, but the boot is well planned around what little footprint the car has, with an adjustable boot floor, to take on slightly larger items. One of the features we did put to use during our recent trip in Thailand.

John Cooper Works models are easily defined by their red roofs (apart from the Convertible),and unique striped vinyl graphics, 19” sports rims and piano black finish, and those newly styled “Union Jack” themed tail lamps are a an excellent addition.

We love how styling cues like the large wing at the rear, the sporty bumper, which houses twin central-mounted tail pipes, which feature finishers slightly different from the Cooper S model. Other touches like the red strip which spans across the front grille replacing the chrome ones commonly found, and a bumper with “pushed out” extra breathers, competes the John Cooper Works face of the car.

So if ever having a car is not fashionable, the John Cooper Works MINI begs to differ. It not only looks-the-part of city chic, but where the car shines really is in its razor-sharp handling and how alive it feels in your hands.

Compared to the Volkswagen Golf GTi, which is truly a more practical car, and overall more relaxed a drive, the John Cooper Works MINI comes across as a more intense. Pretty lovely if you do like getting your driving kicks.

But were the MINI does stand out, is that it is a car which bubbles with excitement, and is definitely FASHIONABLE.